As the Nigerian Army commenced activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, MON, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in offering prayers for the nation and its leaders, emphasizing that such prayers are not only a civic responsibility but also a religious obligation.
The Honourable Minister made the call on Friday while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the Special Jumu’ah Prayer held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja.
The sermon, delivered under the theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” underscored the collective responsibility of all citizens in supporting national security and promoting peace across the country.
According to the Minister, true patriotism goes beyond words or emotions, it is demonstrated through actions that strengthen the nation and safeguard the lives and well-being of its citizens.
Delivering the sermon after the Jumu’ah Prayer led by the Cantonment Chief Imam, the Director, Nigerian Army Directorate of Islamic Affairs, Brigadier General Usman Musa, noted that the prevailing perception that security is solely the responsibility of government must change. He stressed that when communities remain passive while criminals attack and inflict casualties, insecurity inevitably worsens.
He also added that the appropriate approach is for government and the general public to work together against criminal elements, rather than leaving the responsibility to government alone. Citing Maiduguri as a practical example, Brigadier General Musa explained that the city became relatively secure because its people stood firm, rejected the status quo, and collaborated closely with security forces.
According to him, through this collective effort, insurgents were driven out of the city centre and forced into the bush, demonstrating that insecurity can be effectively suppressed when communities cooperate with authorities.
The Special Jumu’ah Prayer was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shu’aibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, other senior military officers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), among others.
